Rocky Athas, known by critics and fans as The Texas Tornado, The Malice from Dallas, The Young Eric Clapton and The Last Great Bluesbreaker Guitarist, possesses an arsenal of punishing guitar riffs and catchy hooks that have opened every door. After carrying the mantle of the coveted role of lead guitarist with John Mayall's legendary Bluesbreakers for eight years, Rocky Athas returned from the international touring stage to reclaim his rightful place front and center with his successfully established solo career.

Rocky was introduced to the Bolin brothers--drummer extraordinaire Johnnie Bolin, and Tommy Bolin (of Deep Purple and James Gang). Johnnie and Rocky cemented a life-long bond as brothers. After Tommy's death, Rocky performed, toured, and recorded Tommy Bolin Tribute shows with Johnnie in support of the Tommy Bolin Archives foundation. Joining them for these efforts was their friend and amazing vocalist and bassist Glenn Hughes, of Deep Purple and Trapeze. 

Tickets are $20 day of show!

The idea is a community Christmas variety show…singers, comedians, musicians, actors, dancers, artists, performers of all kinds sharing their talents. It’s FUN! It’s FESTIVE! It’s FOR A GOOD CAUSE! All door proceeds benefit the Warming Shelter and Siouxland Food Bank!
Sioux City famous or not I am asking you to join the lineup of the 8th Almost Annual Very Garie Christmas!

$15 suggested donation at the door!

Small art is coming together in a big way! On Saturday, December 7 at 7:00pm, join us at Vangarde Arts for the opening of the Pint Sized Art Show, a collaboration of local and regional artists showcasing their creativity in small form. This unique exhibit features artwork sized 8”x10” or smaller, with each piece offering a glimpse into the diverse skills of our creative community.

Experience the art, meet the artists, and maybe add something new to your collection! All art is priced at $50 or less, making it an affordable way to support creativity this season.

Free & Open to the Public! 416 Pierce St

UK British Blues Award winner and 4 time European Blues Awards nominee Bex Marshall’s unique style of guitar playing is a combined technique of slide, blues rock, ragtime and roots pickin’. Her voice is a powerful melting pot of old black woman’s heartache and rock diva soul. Bex is a writer of distinction and notability, she pushes the boundaries of blues, her songs have been called timeless, touches of genius, and now she tours internationally solo or with a three piece band which augments her unique style of of virtuoso playing, Born In Plymouth Devon she was the product of two very different family’s, one blue blooded landed gentry (her great grandfather was the Squire of Cornwall) and her mothers side Irish Romany (her great Grandmother was the original fairground fortune teller Madam Olga)

Tickets $20 at the door!

MIKE ZITO is one of the most lauded artists in the contemporary blues arena today and rightfully so, but for him, the thing that counts the most is maintaining his honesty, authenticity and integrity. Naturally, patience and perseverance have been Zito’s stock and trade since the beginning. He began playing guitar at the age of five, and by the time he reached his late teens, he was already a fixture on the local St. Louis music scene. In 2009 he won Song of the Year at the Blues Music Awards and marked his first collaboration with Cyril Neville, with whom he’d later work in the Royal Southern Brotherhood. Since then he has won the 2018 Rock Blues Artist of the Year, the 2019 Blues Rock Album of the year, the 2019 Blues Rock Artist and the 2022 Blues Rock Album of the year. That same year, Zito joined forces with Gulf Coast Records label mate Albert Castiglia and created the Blood Brothers tour!

Tickets are $25 at the door!

Consisting of Ryan Garmoe, Nolan Schroeder, Jarrett Purdy and Christopher Jensen the band Wave Cage mixes pulsating electronic grooves with occasional poetry on the melding of bohemia and funk. The instrumentals include some R&Bish horn work by Garmoe and Schroeder and a mix of deep rivulets and open field running by the  horns! Their sound is engaging, atmospheric, beautifully produced, and humorous.. evoking the smooth melodies and diverse textures of early Weather Report; the ambitious, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink arrangements of groups such as Jaga Jazzist; and the more genre-agnostic trip-hop beat decisions of such projects as Thievery Corporation and Zero 7.

Only $10 at the door!

Avey Grouws Band blends blues, roots, rock and soul as powerfully as the Mississippi River runs through their home in the Quad Cities of Iowa & Illinois. Led by powerhouse vocalist Jeni Grouws and ace guitar man Chris Avey, the two-time top ten Billboard charting band are known for their gritty sound and engaging shows. Avey Grouws Band toured the US this past year, including Kansas City, two Florida tours, an East Coast tour and a trip to Las Vegas to play the Big Blues Bender along with acts including Keb’ Mo, Beth Hart, Tab Benoit, Samantha Fish and many more.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Pretend Friend is an Americana band born on the endless horizon of the plains. With roots in Wichita, Kansas, Pretend Friend's high-energy performances meld elements of folk, bluegrass, classic rock, traditional, and jam band music. Tradition is honored; convention is cast aside. PF has been inspired by consistent musical evolution since 2015. With compelling songwriting at its core, Pretend Friend weaves together rich melodies with evocative lyrics of love, passion, nostalgia, controversy, and spirituality. Pretend Friend pursues a poetic, unbridled approach to musical expression.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Bruce Veneziani began playing in area bands in the 90s, but it wasn’t until he broke away from his audio tech career that he achieved his dream of being a full time performing artist. He draws from a song list that exceeds more than 300 songs, spanning 60+ years of music from classics of the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s to modern day chart toppers. The multi genre set is guaranteed to have something for everyone, from Rock, Country and even some Pop music. It’s not uncommon to hear songs by Waylon Jennings, Cyndi Lauper, Tyler Childers, Goo Goo Dolls and Iron Maiden all in the same night. Veneziani is at his best when the audience interacts with the show. Although there are crowd favorites that get played at most shows, crowd interactions tend to dictate the set.

Tickets only $10 at the door!

Paige Rose, hailing from Sioux City, Iowa, is a powerhouse vocalist with a captivating country rock sound. Her musical taste spans a wide range, drawing inspiration from artists like Fleetwood Mac and Alanis Morissette, among others. In pursuit of her dreams, Paige moved to Nashville in 2017, where she quickly made her mark. She has played sold-out shows at renowned venues such as the Listening Room Cafe and The Basement, solidifying her reputation as a talented live performer.

One of her top songs, "Whiskey Drinker," earned a feature in the esteemed New York Times as "ready for radio. Paige has debuted many of her recent music videos in partnership with CMT, including her singles, “Trouble” and “Between Me & Jesus”, among others. With her distinct voice, heartfelt lyrics, and diverse influences, Paige Rose is undoubtedly an artist to watch as she continues cementing her status as an emerging force in the country rock music scene.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Haymakers takes the concept of the string band and plugs it into a broad swath of acoustic music that stretches from Americana to bluegrass, from Appalachian folk music to bluesy western swing, and even into the realm of the jam band. The Wichita, Kansas-based group formed in 2012 and gradually honed their sound through steady gigs around the Sunflower State before releasing their debut, self-titled album in 2017. Since then the band has toured steadily throughout the Midwest and beyond, playing everywhere from festivals to rowdy bars to living rooms. Over the years they have cultivated a loyal fanbase and developed a reputation for lively performances that blend a wide variety of original and traditional songs performed in their own unique style.

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Celebrate our incredibly hard working Alley Art muralists Saturday, October 12 at 7pm! Meet the artists behind all of this year's stunning murals AND find out who gets to take home 2024's line up of awards!!

Stream the awards LIVE at vangardearts.com/alley-art-mural-awards

Step into a whole different experience at Vangarde Arts as Sioux City artist, Mikell Zishka, drops a brand new line up of UV reactive paintings on Friday, October 11!

DJ Rio will be keeping the vibe going all night long with a special photo pop up from Britton Hacke Photography!

Catch the experience Friday, October 11 starting at 8:00pm! Free & open to everyone!!

Brannen Temple and Hadden Sayers met while playing in Blues Queen Ruthie Foster's "Phenomenal Band".  Almost immediately Sayers asked Temple if he would play drums for his Texas gigs when available... As luck would have it one of Sayers' trio performances...a sold-out holiday performance in his hometown of Houston...was beset with the misfortune of a sick (and subsequently absent) bass player. It was during this performance....a duo show by necessity.. that it became clear that the duo had struck synergistic gold.

The rest, as they say, is history.  Plans to record were hatched,..a band name (a nod to the "BOOM" of the bass drum and the "CHANK" of the guitar) and many opportunities to perform around the world. Click here to share your story of the first time you saw BoomChank!

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Her artistry combines folk, country, and dusky swamp in a graceful, supple, and elegant genre of their own

The daughter of two preacher’s kids, Pieta Brown’s early upbringing in Iowa was in a rural outpost with no furnace, running water, or TV.  There, she was exposed to traditional and rural folk music through her father, Greg Brown, the now beloved Midwestern folk singer. Continually revealing new layers as both a songwriter and performer, Pieta is being recognized as one of modern Americana's true gems.  In recent years Pieta has released multiple highly critically acclaimed albums, with much attention being paid not only to her distinct sound and style, but also the power of her singing and songwriting!

Erik Koskinen is an American singer-songwriter,  multi-instrumentalist and producer, whose music is not categorized by sub-genres.  Stylistically he is on his own while heavily influenced by American roots music. The rhythmic integrity and musical tone is as important as the lyrical content and the artistic intent.

Tickets only $20 in advance, $25 day of show… available online at www.vangardearts.com!

This band evolved from the “Central Time Band” that included Walt Peterson, mandolin and harmonica. Bob Larson, guitar and Gina Myers, guitar. In 2022 they met a banjo and dobro player, singer-songwriter, Scott Griffith, at Vangarde Arts - open mic! The group started jamming and shortly after that, Austin Aufrance guitarist, bass player and singer song-writer joined the band! All of the members take a turn with the vocals!

The five piece band plays a variety of old time, bluegrass and Americana music, mixing a blend of originals with unique cover songs. They have performed around the tri-state including a featured spot at the Bluegills & Bluegrass festival this summer,

Tickets are only $10.00 at the door!

Explore Sioux City’s largest refreshed outdoor gallery of 140+ murals, browse the original work of more than 30 regional art vendors, and ruffle your pigeon feathers with unforgettable live music from local and nationally touring acts all day long!

We’re THRILLED to feature acts like Alex Erwin, the Devon Cadwell Band, Art SIC, Banana Cramps and 2024 Headliner: SHAMARR ALLEN & THE UNDERDAWGS!!!

Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Hailing from the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. He is the lead vocalist and trumpeter of his band “Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs.” He is a sought after artist for festivals and venues around the world.

The fun doesn’t stop there - the day will be full of lively creative activities for the young and young at heart. Kids can head to the kids zone & create their very own maraca!

Everyone is invited to join in on the mural-ing fun at the Wall for All- where everyone can paint their own mural or hop in with One Funky House to tie dye your very own t-shirt & accessories!!

Tickets will be available at the gate for only $5 each with free admission for kids 12 and under!!

Chris’s musical background includes duties as lead singer and front man for rock and roll hall of famer and Grammy award winner Levon Helm’s band, The Barnburners. During the 6 years that Chris and Levon played together they toured across the US and Canada lighting up stages everywhere they went. This soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master and gifted songwriter hit the scene in 2011 with the Chris O’Leary Band debut CD “Mr. Used to Be” won the 2011 Best New Artist Debut CD Blues Blast Award and was nominated for best new artist debut at the 2011 American Blues Music Awards. Their most recent effort is the Alligator Records label debut, The Hard Line, which was released January 12, 2024.

Tickets only $15 at the door or online at www.vangardearts.com!

“Think Tina Turner fronting AC/DC and you’ll have half of the picture.

Nikki Hill is sweet seduction, sweeter threat, and smoldering energy. An original force in American music, she is tender and tough, flamboyant, witty and dangerous. To put it plainly, Hill brings daggers back to the stage and studio. Overlapping soulful, sensual and bold vocal tones with powerful chrome-plated riffs and swagger, her voice finds a home in it - a soul singing, bar rocking, roots revivalist, that writes with frank self-reflection at a dancing tempo.

Nikki Hill enjoyed R&B, soul, pop and hip hop at home. In addition, she sang gospel in the church choir from childhood through her early teenage years. Gradually, she developed her ears for garage rock, rock n' roll, blues and roots.

Tickets only $25 at the door!!!

Dirty Red & The Soul Shakers are a modern-day powerhouse blues band, built on old school influences and a mutual love for the down n’ dirty style of blues that defines the band's sound. A dangerously tight rhythm section, backing a funky, shake-your-money-maker groove, guarantees ladies dancing and good times! Top that with wailing blues harp, jaw-dropping guitar licks, and the unmistakable charm and soul of the towering blues-man they call, "Dirty Red”, and you can bet you're gonna find yourself hooked!

Tickets only $15 at the door!

Sioux City artist Josh Beckwith presents Figurative Chaos - a thought provoking showcase of the human experience. Through a variety of oil and acrylic paintings depicting the human form, Beckwith has captured emotion and depth with his unique style. Meet the artist and experience this show for yourself Thursday, August 15 at 6:00pm!

Come for the art & stay for the music! The Almost Famous Open Mic Night starts at 7:00pm. Free and open to the public!

"Hummel plays the harmonica with the fat, full sound that made Little Walter sound almost like a saxophonist rather than a harp man". -Chicago Sun-Times

MARK HUMMEL took up an interest in blues harp & rock-blues music in high school but soon discovered the originators like Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson & Little Walter. Soon after, Hummel frequented the Ash Grove club on Melrose Ave. in LA where he saw (in a three month period) three blues legends he would later work with on a regular basis; Charlie Musselwhite, Brownie McGhee (w/Sonny Terry) & James Cotton. By 1985 Mark Hummel's Blues Survivors hit the road full time & continue till the present. Hummel's been featured on over thirty recordings since 1985 including his 2014 Blind Pig Records, Remembering Little Walter! The CD was nominated for a Grammy Award and won two Blues Music Awards.

ANSON FUNDERBURGH undeniably remains best known in the blues field for his extraordinarily concise lead guitar attack. In addition to anchoring his latest iteration of The Rockets, he’s been touring since 2010 with Bay Area-based harmonica player Mark Hummel as a prime factor in the Golden State-Lone Star Revue. Funderburgh’s unmistakable style, tone and sensibility has made him one of contemporary blues music’s most important guitar players. Once a clean-cut up-and-comer on the national blues scene who’s crisp, biting guitar licks belied his soft-spoken manner, Anson has developed into a legacy artist and his influence on countless guitarists is immeasurable.

Tickets only $20 at the door and online at www.vangardearts.com!

Matthew Curry has built a multi-generational audience through a deep, pure connection forged with fans that have encountered him via headline appearances and cherished support opportunities from some of the most successful touring artists in the history of music.   Simply, he is a singer-songwriter writing songs that draw from personal inspirations, incorporating elements of blues, rock, southern rock, and old school country in to his repertoire.  His guitar playing is becoming world renowned, yet for Curry his perspective is broader sharing, "Of course the guitar is a HUGE part of my music, but something I really like to focus on is trying to make good songs. Songs people can relate to. Songs people immediately want to sing along to or tap their feet to.  It is reaffirming to experience this wide spectrum of audience coming out, and when I'm on stage seeing a mix of young, old, and middle age, alongside an even split of males and females singing along to every song, I know that I'm headed down the right path."

Tickets only $15 at the door!

For almost ten years, The Cold Stares had toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the US and Europe with a fierce, blistering live show that belied their bare bones, guitar-and-drums setup. In 2023 the band began embracing a whole new kind of chemistry and launched into their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the classic power trio sound they grew up on with their explosive acclaimed album, “Voices.”

The Cold Stares have created a buzz in the music world that has landed them on the road with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Larkin Poe and Grand Funk Railroad. American Songwriter praised the group’s “hard-won commitment, honesty,and intensity,” while No Depression hailed their sound as a “roots rocking firestorm,” and tunes from their albums turned up everywhere from ESPN, Dodge, Chevy and TNT to the hit video game Cyberpunk 2077.

Tickets only $20 at the door!

this is a free event for Vangarde arts partners! call 712-251-6432 to join today!

This duo blends Soul, R&B and a little Rap to create a smooth and uplifting night of live music! They perform killer originals along with a few of your favorite classics! Justin Harris is an accomplished pianist and vocalist, Sam the Man brings the freestyle flavor that adds an edge to the show. They recently opened the Downtown LIVE event to rave reviews!!!

This is a FREE event for Vangarde Arts Partners. There will be an early reception at 6:00 pm for the VAP members with appetizers and complimentary drinks! This is a great night to join the Vangarde Arts Partners!

Doors open at 7:00 pm to the public for a low cost of $10!!!

It’s time for another ArtWalk - Open Mic edition! Join us and other downtown galleries to explore “Advance to Gogh!” - an artistic reinvention of repurposed game boards! 17 artist’s work will be on display in the Vangarde Gallery.

5:30pm Art Center
6:00pm Ho-Chunk Centre – Gallery 103 and Three Rivers Gallery
6:45pm Art SUX
7:30pm Vangarde Arts

Weaving together modern and traditional styles of American music, Never Come Down is a Portland, Oregon based 5-piece composed of Joe Suskind (guitar), Crystal Lariza (vocals), Brian Alley (banjo), Kaden Hurst (mandolin), and Ben Ticknor (bass). Their dedication to thoughtful songwriting and dynamic arrangements highlight polished technical skills and a commitment to listening to each other. Formed in 2018, the band began touring extensively- steadily cultivating a passionate fan base at home in the Pacific Northwest, and eventually around the country. NCD released their first studio album “Better Late Than Never” in 2021 and their second LP “Greener Pastures” is slated for release late 2023. They’ve toured internationally and have found acclaim at festivals such as Iceland Airwaves, John Hartford Memorial Fest, Americanafest, FreshGrass and RockyGrass.

Tickets only $15 at the door or call 712-251-6432!

Sioux City photographer, Mark Karrer, presents “Toadstool & Beyond”!

Karrer’s newest collection of photos captures the essence of nature with anything from a gorgeous mountain scape to intriguing cracks in the ground. This show is sure to leave the viewer in awe of nature’s finest.

Check it out all month long (beginning June 15!) and meet the artist Thursday, June 20 starting at 6:00pm!

The reception is FREE & open to the public! Open Mic Night to follow at 7:00pm!

Music has held great importance to Joel Sires his entire life. His exposure to playing music began early. Guitar circles and singalongs were not uncommon at family gatherings. Joel has found a lot of fulfillment through music over the years and loves songs so much that finding the drive to make music rarely waivers. To put it simply - he adores words and has always tried to find a way to share them with others. His latest work features hushed tones and acoustic guitars, breaking new ground by bringing the volume down and pushing the song and lyrics to the forefront. Joel has grown into a proficient songwriter, guitarist, producer, and performer. He is even known to throw in a little harmonica here and there.

Since picking up the guitar at age 18, Todd Partridge has spent most of his adult life making his own music. With 10 albums of original music under his belt, Todd has proven that he has a unique voice.  What kind of music is it? Wandering Music. Whiskey Gospel.  American Roots music. Borrowing from the blues, American folk and country, classic rock and Americana, the music in Iowa has a unique flavor and feeling. The Todd show is a foot stompin’, hand clappin’ rock and roll gospel, with heartfelt ballads and sing-a-longs.  According to “City View” show reviewer Chad Taylor, He is “Part troubadour, part tent revival preacher, Partridge holds court over his audience, welcoming all to the Tramps roots rock/jam band sound with the charisma of a faith healer.”

Tickets only $10 at the door!

It’s the final night of Art Brawl III! Who will win? Thats for you to decide. Come on down to 416 Pierce St to experience the madness as the finalists brawl it out one more time in 30 minute live painting challenges!

Only $5 at the door.